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, lists of the most played, top deals and best free action games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
The Darkest Tales
When a nightmare creeps into reality, the only ones that can help are those whose magical powers we’ve believed in since childhood. A brave teddy bear heads to the far side of “happily ever after” to rescue his owner, Alicia.
Deadeye Deepfake Simulacrum
Embody the ultimate cybernetic corporate agent. Master deadly gunplay, time manipulation, and supernatural abilities. Hack computers, people, even the individual bullets flying at you. Confront the future, and die trying.
The Last Oricru - Final Cut
Enter a world beyond imagination with The Last Oricru - Final Cut. An action RPG, The Last Oricru - Final Cut unravels in a fantasy world blending sci-fi and medieval elements to deliver an experience like no other. Seize your destiny and take your place in this adventure for single or co-op play.
Sunday Gold
Sunday Gold is a point-and-click, turn-based adventure game set in grim, dystopian future. Play as a ragtag trio of criminals to hunt down and expose the dark secrets of an evil mega-corporation and the malevolent billionaire behind it.
ASTLIBRA Revision
Confront time and fate in the 2D action RPG, Astlibra Revision. Explore meticulously crafted worlds, fight brutal boss battles, and upgrade your skills to take down enemies lurking around every corner.
The Eternal Cylinder
Control a herd of charming creatures called Trebhum and explore an unforgettable alien world filled with exotic lifeforms and surreal environments. Discover dozens of mutations to overcome puzzles, explore new biomes, and survive on a dangerous planet.
Stay Out of the House
Can you escape the home of a cannibal serial killer? It's only a matter of time until you're dinner!
Mage and Monsters
Create an army and use spells while it fights for you. Mage & Monsters is an active auto battler, where you must choose wisely between upgrading the might of your army, or increasing the power of your spells.
Asterigos: Curse of the Stars
Embark on a journey full of danger in this action RPG, inspired by Greek and Roman mythologies. Explore the breathtaking city of Aphes and forge your way through legions of unique foes and mythical bosses to discover the truth behind the city’s curse.
No More Heroes 3
Travis Touchdown is back, baby! The otaku assassin takes up his trusty beam katana once more to slash his way to the top of the Galactic Superhero Rankings and save the world in the latest entry in the No More Heroes series.
Chasm: The Rift
Prepare for terror in this ground-breaking classic old-school FPS. Following the destruction of Time you are left to battle in this horrific hellhole of multilevel interconnected missions populated by gruesome grotesque creatures.
WW2: Bunker Simulator
During WWII you are an American soldier who captured the german bunker in Normandy. You must defend it at all costs and survive this World War II. Complete missions, cook & shoot, search the bodies for medicines, ammo, and food to survive. WW2: Bunker Simulator is a mix of fps and simulator.
Nomad Survival
Battle against hordes of enemies, conquer Boss encounters, and explore various character and skill combinations in this time-based auto-attacking Roguelite in your quest to become stronger and defeat the most menacing of creatures that lay in wait at the end of each run.
Bombergrounds: Reborn
BOMBERGROUNDS: Immerse in a free-to-play massive multiplayer action-packed arena inspired by classic bomber games. Dash, bomb, bat, and explode your way to victory. Your realm of relentless arcade action is just a click away—dive in and rule the grounds!
Marauders
Marauders is a tactical first-person multiplayer looter shooter set in a sci-fi universe. As a space pirate, work solo, or in a squad with up to 3 other players to navigate a hostile battleground, hunt for loot, craft new weapons and gear, and salvage what you’ll need to survive.
Dark Light
Dark Light is a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk action-platformer with intense hack'n slash combat. Explore the unknown, enhance your abilities with cyberwares, and face off against supernatural entities to seal the Dark Void and end the eternal darkness.
Foxhole
Foxhole is a massively multiplayer game where thousands of players shape the outcome of a persistent online war. Every individual soldier is a player that contributes to the war effort through logistics, base building, reconnaissance, combat, and more.
Yoiyami Dancers: Twilight Danmaku Dancers
Dodge bullets to the rhythm and take down everything that moves! A rhythmical danmaku action game.
Little Witch Nobeta
Control the lovely little witch Nobeta, explore the unknown mysterious castle, and gradually discover the truth!
Moonscars
Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed.
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.
Most played action games on Steam
Take a look at the top action games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 16th 2025.
1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is a fps, shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on August 21st 2012 has received 8,815,087 reviews of which 7,642,084 were positive and 1,173,003 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played action game, thanks to its 755,540 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
7,642,084
1,173,003
755,540
players
2. HELLDIVERS™ 2
The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence. Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter. HELLDIVERS™ 2 is a online co-op, pve and third-person shooter game developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by PlayStation Publishing LLC. Released on February 08th 2024 has received 1,017,635 reviews of which 775,883 were positive and 241,752 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. While seeing 49,558 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among action games based on player count.
7.6
775,883
241,752
49,558
players
3. Crosshair X
Overlay custom crosshairs on every game you play. Choose from thousands of unique crosshairs created by the Crosshair X community or design your own using the designer. Crosshair X is a action, indie and adventure game developed and published by CenterPoint Gaming. Released on August 17th 2020 has received 31,352 reviews of which 29,275 were positive and 2,077 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 43,877 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among action games based on player count.
9.2
29,275
2,077
43,877
players
4. Warframe
Awaken as an unstoppable warrior and battle alongside your friends in this story-driven free-to-play online action game Warframe is a free to play, action rpg and looter shooter game developed and published by Digital Extremes. Released on March 25th 2013 has received 626,503 reviews of which 545,393 were positive and 81,110 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 36,379 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played action games.
8.6
545,393
81,110
36,379
players
5. PAYDAY 2
PAYDAY 2 is an action-packed, four-player co-op shooter that once again lets gamers don the masks of the original PAYDAY crew - Dallas, Hoxton, Wolf and Chains - as they descend on Washington DC for an epic crime spree. PAYDAY 2 is a co-op, action and fps game developed by OVERKILL - a Starbreeze Studio. and published by Starbreeze Publishing AB. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 663,082 reviews of which 594,327 were positive and 68,755 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 32,971 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played action games.
8.9
594,327
68,755
32,971
players
6. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced
Experience entertainment blockbusters Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online — now upgraded for a new generation with stunning visuals, faster loading, 3D audio, and more, plus exclusive content for GTA Online players. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced is a open world, action and multiplayer game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. Released on March 04th 2025 has received 55,881 reviews of which 38,595 were positive and 17,286 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. With 31,733 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played action games.
6.8
38,595
17,286
31,733
players
7. Wuthering Waves
Wuthering Waves is a story-rich open-world action RPG with a high degree of freedom. You wake from your slumber as Rover, joined by a vibrant cast of Resonators on a journey to reclaim your lost memories and change the world. Wuthering Waves is a open world, action and anime game developed and published by KURO GAMES. Released on April 28th 2025 has received 14,136 reviews of which 12,739 were positive and 1,397 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 14,503 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played action games.
8.8
12,739
1,397
14,503
players
8. Arma Reforger
Experience authentic Cold War combat and join the struggle for the sprawling, mid-Atlantic island of Everon and its smaller, offshore territory, Arland – or take on the role of Game Master and create your very own scenarios for others to enjoy. Arma Reforger is a military, simulation and action game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on November 16th 2023 has received 30,623 reviews of which 23,326 were positive and 7,297 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 12,733 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played action games.
7.5
23,326
7,297
12,733
players
9. Splitgate 2
Splitgate 2 is the only free-to-play shooter with portals, delivering next-level gunplay, fluid movement, and a constantly evolving experience, featuring a new Battle Royale where you can portal between unique worlds. Welcome to the future of sport. Splitgate 2 is a shooter, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by 1047 Games. Released on May 22nd 2025 has received 14,842 reviews of which 9,160 were positive and 5,682 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. With 12,472 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played action games.
6.1
9,160
5,682
12,472
players
10. Counter-Strike: Source
Counter-Strike: Source blends Counter-Strike's award-winning teamplay action with the advanced technology of Source™ technology. Counter-Strike: Source is a shooter, fps and action game developed and published by Valve. Released on November 01st 2004 has received 182,234 reviews of which 175,426 were positive and 6,808 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 11,527 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played action games.
9.5
175,426
6,808
11,527
players
Best deals on action games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of action games available on Steam right now, updated on June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted action games.
1. In Sound Mind
In Sound Mind is an imaginative first-person psychological horror with frenetic puzzles, unique boss fights, and original music by The Living Tombstone. Journey within the inner workings of the one place you can’t seem to escape—your own mind. In Sound Mind is a horror, psychological horror and story rich game developed by We Create Stuff and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on September 28th 2021 has received 5,812 reviews of which 5,535 were positive and 277 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for action category.
9.2
5,535
277
-99%
29.99€
0.51€
2. Prodeus
Prodeus is a first-person shooter of old, re-imagined using modern rendering techniques and technology. Experience the quality you’d expect from a modern AAA game, designed with retro aesthetics and gameplay that invoke the tech-imposed limits of older hardware. Prodeus is a boomer shooter, fps and retro game developed by Bounding Box Software Inc. and published by Humble Games. Released on September 23rd 2022 has received 7,556 reviews of which 7,021 were positive and 535 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in action games.
9
7,021
535
-99%
24.99€
0.49€
3. Valfaris: Mecha Therion
Therion returns as the hunt for Lord Vroll continues. Pilot an advanced machine of death and destruction in this explosive 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, and sequel to the critically acclaimed Valfaris. Strap in and unleash mecha hell! Valfaris: Mecha Therion is a action, shoot 'em up and arcade game developed by Steel Mantis and published by Silver Lining Interactive. Released on November 21st 2023 has received 358 reviews of which 331 were positive and 27 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in action games.
8.5
331
27
-99%
24.50€
0.44€
4. Dreamscaper
By night, delve deep into your subconscious and discover powerful artifacts to conquer your nightmares. By day, explore the city of Redhaven and build relationships to unlock the power of your dreams. DREAM. DIE. WAKE. REPEAT. Dreamscaper is a action roguelike, rogue-lite and action game developed by Afterburner Studios and published by Maple Whispering Limited and indie.io. Released on August 05th 2021 has received 3,028 reviews of which 2,670 were positive and 358 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for action games.
8.5
2,670
358
-99%
22.99€
0.44€
5. Dandy Ace
Dandy Ace is an over the top action game that follows this fabulous magician seeking to combine and use his magical cards, fighting and looting his way to defeat the Green-Eyed Illusionist and free himself from a cursed mirror. Dandy Ace is a action, indie and rogue-lite game developed by Mad Mimic and published by NEOWIZ. Released on March 25th 2021 has received 1,222 reviews of which 1,079 were positive and 143 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for action games.
8.4
1,079
143
-99%
16.79€
0.25€
6. Beyond a Steel Sky
From multi-award winning Revolution comes ‘Beyond a Steel Sky’, a groundbreaking 3D adventure thriller, set in an AI-driven future. Subvert the world, hack the systems and solve dark conspiracies to uncover the devastating truth. Beyond a Steel Sky is a adventure, point & click and cyberpunk game developed and published by Revolution Software Ltd. Released on July 16th 2020 has received 1,470 reviews of which 1,293 were positive and 177 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for action games.
8.4
1,293
177
-99%
29.99€
0.54€
7. Slash It 2
Slash It 2 is a 2D colorful arcade game. The goal is to press letters, numbers and type words in the right time and direction. Slash It 2 is a casual, indie and action game developed by EGAMER and published by SA Industry. Released on January 24th 2017 has received 1,256 reviews of which 1,104 were positive and 152 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for action games.
8.4
1,104
152
-99%
39.99€
0.45€
8. Strange Brigade
Embark on an exotic journey into danger in this rip-roaring 1930s third person adventure for 1-4 players! Encounter pulse-pounding action, treacherous traps and tales of derring-do! Strange Brigade is a action, adventure and co-op game developed and published by Rebellion. Released on August 27th 2018 has received 10,728 reviews of which 9,034 were positive and 1,694 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for action games.
8.2
9,034
1,694
-99%
49.99€
0.82€
9. Slash It
Slash It is a 2D colorful arcade game. The goal is to match shapes, press letters and numbers in the right time and direction. Slash It is a casual, indie and action game developed by EGAMER and published by SA Industry. Released on December 17th 2016 has received 1,231 reviews of which 1,060 were positive and 171 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for action games.
8.2
1,060
171
-99%
39.99€
0.55€
10. Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide
Vermintide is an epic co-operative action combat adventure set in the End Times of the iconic Warhammer Fantasy world. Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide is a action, online co-op and co-op game developed and published by Fatshark. Released on October 23rd 2015 has received 21,090 reviews of which 16,874 were positive and 4,216 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for action games.
7.9
16,874
4,216
-99%
28.99€
0.45€
Free action games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play action games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play action games.
1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is a fps, shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on August 21st 2012 has received 8,815,087 reviews of which 7,642,084 were positive and 1,173,003 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 755,540 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free action games on Steam.
8.6
7,642,084
1,173,003
755,540
players
2. Warframe
Awaken as an unstoppable warrior and battle alongside your friends in this story-driven free-to-play online action game Warframe is a free to play, action rpg and looter shooter game developed and published by Digital Extremes. Released on March 25th 2013 has received 626,503 reviews of which 545,393 were positive and 81,110 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 36,379, this action game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.6
545,393
81,110
36,379
players
3. Wuthering Waves
Wuthering Waves is a story-rich open-world action RPG with a high degree of freedom. You wake from your slumber as Rover, joined by a vibrant cast of Resonators on a journey to reclaim your lost memories and change the world. Wuthering Waves is a open world, action and anime game developed and published by KURO GAMES. Released on April 28th 2025 has received 14,136 reviews of which 12,739 were positive and 1,397 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 14,503, this action game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.8
12,739
1,397
14,503
players
4. Splitgate 2
Splitgate 2 is the only free-to-play shooter with portals, delivering next-level gunplay, fluid movement, and a constantly evolving experience, featuring a new Battle Royale where you can portal between unique worlds. Welcome to the future of sport. Splitgate 2 is a shooter, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by 1047 Games. Released on May 22nd 2025 has received 14,842 reviews of which 9,160 were positive and 5,682 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 12,472 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.1
9,160
5,682
12,472
players
5. Blood Strike
Gather your friends and dive into the action-packed Battle Royale, Squad Fight, or Hot Zone like there's no tomorrow! Blood Strike offers a wide range of playable Strikers, each with a unique active and passive ability letting you deploy drones, shield walls and everything in between. Blood Strike is a action, free to play and shooter game developed and published by NetEase Games. Released on March 13th 2025 has received 8,401 reviews of which 6,701 were positive and 1,700 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,551 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
6,701
1,700
4,551
players
6. World of Warships
Immerse yourself in thrilling naval battles and assemble an armada of over 600 ships from the first half of the 20th century — from stealthy destroyers to gigantic battleships. Change the look of your ship, choose upgrades to suit your play style, and go into battle with other players! World of Warships is a free to play, naval combat and action game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on November 15th 2017 has received 146,552 reviews of which 112,887 were positive and 33,665 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,236 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.6
112,887
33,665
4,236
players
7. FragPunk
FragPunk is a thrilling 5v5 hero shooter where Shard Cards allow you to break the rules of combat and ensure that no two rounds are ever the same. Get ready to unleash your skills! FragPunk is a fps, free to play and hero shooter game developed and published by Bad Guitar Studio. Released on March 06th 2025 has received 39,631 reviews of which 29,120 were positive and 10,511 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,101 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.3
29,120
10,511
4,101
players
8. Crosshair V2
Crosshair V2 is a crosshair overlay technology that improves aim, response time, and hip fire accuracy for gamers. Choose from a variety of sizes, shapes, and neon colors to find the crosshair that gives you the greatest advantage in your favorite game. Crosshair V2 is a utilities, shooter and action game developed and published by CenterPoint Gaming. Released on January 26th 2023 has received 8,440 reviews of which 7,594 were positive and 846 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,515 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,594
846
3,515
players
9. World of Tanks Blitz
Tanks, not war: jump into a free-to-play MMO action shooter with over 400 tanks. Enjoy stunning graphics and intuitive touch controls. Engage in 7vs7 battles, strategize with your team to conquer diverse maps. Customize tanks, unlock upgrades, and dive into adrenaline-pumping action on mobile and PC World of Tanks Blitz is a tanks, free to play and shooter game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on November 09th 2016 has received 148,161 reviews of which 116,407 were positive and 31,754 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,924 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
116,407
31,754
2,924
players
10. GrandChase
Grand Chase is a free side-scrolling online action RPG with anime inspired graphics. Enjoy exciting adventures in dungeons and PvP with unique characters. GrandChase is a action, free to play and pve game developed and published by KOG. Released on July 27th 2021 has received 24,350 reviews of which 15,491 were positive and 8,859 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,728 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.3
15,491
8,859
2,728
players