Best Arcade 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 arcade games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free arcade games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo
Super Galaxy Squadron is a fast-paced vertical shooter designed for human beings as well as SHMUP veterans. Featuring multiple game modes, a challenging but merciful difficulty curve, forgiving health system, and SEVENTEEN playable ships.
PARTICLE MACE
A space game about swinging trash into things and dying.
Cat Goes Fishing
Start out on an island with a basic rod. Progress into a radar-wielding master fisher-cat scouring the sea for the biggest and baddest fish. Each fish has unique behaviors that you will learn to exploit as you tailor your arsenal of fishing rods to suit your style of play. Mrrrow!
Geometry Dash
Jump and fly your way through danger in this rhythm-based action platformer!
THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION
After “KOF '98”, often praised by the fans as the best installment in the “KOF” series, and “KOF ’98 UM” 10 years later, “KOF ’98” returns now on the Steam PC gaming platform in an ultimate and final version with THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend
The second entry in the critically acclaimed BlazBlue franchise, BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend adds a number of gameplay modes, story scenarios, new moves, and an all-new playable character to further enhance the BlazBlue experience and solidify its status as one of the all-time great 2D fighters
Galcon 2: Galactic Conquest
Galcon 2 is a demolition derby in space! Send swarms of ships from planet to planet to conquer the galaxy in this fast paced multiplayer strategy game!
Geometry Wars™ 3: Dimensions Evolved
Experience the full evolution of the award-winning Geometry Wars franchise and battle through waves of enemies on 3D grids in this frenetic arcade shooter!
Death Skid Marks
Death Skid Marks is a rogue-like car combat game about what so many of us have experienced: a road trip to a music gig… only in this game, things get violent. The game uniquely blends top down arcade action and RPG mechanics.
Rollers of the Realm
Bounce, spin, and battle through scenes of an epic storyline with a band of medieval misfits tasked with reclaiming the world from dark and ancient magic. Your characters are the balls—meeting new characters unlocks new sets of equipment and abilities!
QP Shooting - Dangerous!!
QP Shooting - Dangerous!! is a bullet hell type shoot’em’up starring the pudding-loving dog girl QP seen in 100% Orange Juice. Nothing can stand between QP and her pudding - not even difficulty options to reduce the experienced gamer to tears!
Phoenix Force
Phoenix Force is a shoot 'em up about a group of phoenixes that fight big and strong mythological creatures in over 100 levels. It takes the boss battle as the foundation for every level, creating engaging and challenging fast battles that will require your best strategies and reflexes.
Get Off My Lawn!
They came in peace, but messed with the wrong old man. Armed with a musket, 78 year old Murray Mendelson has single-handedly started an interstellar war. Shoot first and ask questions later in this endless fast paced arcade shooter. Use everything in Murray’s arsenal to keep the aliens off of his perfectly manicured lawn!
Royal Defense
The castle needs a hero – hordes of trolls are surrounding it! Build towers, save money, learn spells - don't let the enemy in! Follow the exciting story of the dwarven kingdom's eternal struggle against the troll hordes, who want only to crush the dwarves and claim their territory.
FOTONICA
Ever wondered what running at 140mph feels like? FOTONICA is a first-person game about the thrill of speed and traveling flawlessly through complex environments.FOTONICA is simple, but is not easy: it follows a tradition of arcade games that are easy to pick up and almost impossible to master.
BlazeRush
BlazeRush is a dynamic arcade racing survival game with no health, no levelling and no brakes! You can assemble a team of friends to play in local or online multiplayer, choose a car to your taste and chase, blow up and cut off! Adapt your style and tactics to new enemies, obstacles and tracks.
REVOLVER360 RE:ACTOR
The world really does revolve around you in this mind-bending shooter where changing your perspective could save your life.
Split/Second
Split/Second is an intense action racing game set within a reality TV show. Competitors vie to be the first to the finish line in a set rigged to blow. Players don’t just collide with other vehicles to knock them from the track, but can also trigger devastating events that alter the race dynamics.
METAL SLUG X
“METAL SLUG X”, one of the most highly praised titles in the series among Metal Slug fans for its refined balance and game volume, heads out to the Steam gaming platform!
Most played arcade games on Steam
Take a look at the top arcade games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 01st 2025.
1. Street Fighter™ 6
Here comes Capcom’s newest challenger! Street Fighter™ 6 launches worldwide on June 2nd, 2023 and represents the next evolution of the Street Fighter™ series! Street Fighter 6 spans three distinct game modes, including World Tour, Fighting Ground and Battle Hub. Street Fighter™ 6 is a 2d fighter, fighting and character customization game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on June 01st 2023 has received 55,290 reviews of which 47,198 were positive and 8,092 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played arcade game, thanks to its 6,331 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.4
47,198
8,092
6,331
players
2. Nubby's Number Factory
A plinko-style roguelike where you work at a number factory. Launch your spherical friend, Nubby, down a pegboard to make bigger and bigger numbers! But beware, if you fail to meet your number quota, the sun will explode. Nubby's Number Factory is a strategy, rogue-like and arcade game developed and published by MogDogBlog Productions. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 6,930 reviews of which 6,775 were positive and 155 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 2,221 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among arcade games based on player count.
9.4
6,775
155
2,221
players
3. Fish Idle 2: Underwater Mystery
Dive into the most fun idle fishing arcade game! Manage your Fish Kingdoms with automated fishing, upgrade your boat and gear, invest in passive income, and outsmart the market. Become the ultimate fish tycoon! Fish Idle 2: Underwater Mystery is a casual, adventure and point & click game developed by Multicast and published by MulticastGames. Released on November 15th 2024 has received 974 reviews of which 671 were positive and 303 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. While seeing 1,011 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among arcade games based on player count.
6.7
671
303
1,011
players
4. Crab Champions
Claw your way across exotic islands combining fluid movement with fast paced combat to become a Crab Champion in this third person roguelike shooter. Crab Champions is a early access, action roguelike and soundtrack game developed and published by Noisestorm. Released on April 01st 2023 has received 26,411 reviews of which 25,871 were positive and 540 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 976 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played arcade games.
9.6
25,871
540
976
players
5. RetroArch
RetroArch is an open source and cross platform frontend/framework for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications RetroArch is a free to play, retro and software game developed and published by Libretro. Released on May 27th 2022 has received 7,908 reviews of which 7,095 were positive and 813 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 494 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played arcade games.
8.7
7,095
813
494
players
6. TEKKEN 7
Discover the epic conclusion of the long-time clan warfare between members of the Mishima family. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the legendary fighting game franchise fights back with stunning story-driven cinematic battles and intense duels that can be enjoyed with friends and rivals. TEKKEN 7 is a fighting, action and multiplayer game developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on June 01st 2017 has received 92,484 reviews of which 76,923 were positive and 15,561 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 493 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played arcade games.
8.2
76,923
15,561
493
players
7. 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. Zuma Deluxe is a match 3, puzzle and arcade game developed by PopCap Games and Inc. and published by PopCap Games, Inc. and Electronic Arts. Released on August 30th 2006 has received 5,242 reviews of which 4,995 were positive and 247 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 479 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played arcade games.
9.2
4,995
247
479
players
8. Rogue: Genesia
Walk upon a new world and slay foes endangering it. Rogue : Genesia is an action rogue-lite game, where you fight relentless hordes consisting of hundreds and thousands of monsters, make your build, break the balance, defeat bosses and save one of the many worlds. Rogue: Genesia is a action roguelike, rogue-lite and bullet hell game developed by Ouadi Huard and published by Ouadi Huard and Gamersky Games. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 7,340 reviews of which 6,705 were positive and 635 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 465 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played arcade games.
8.9
6,705
635
465
players
9. The Crew Motorfest
Welcome to Motorfest, the ultimate open-world driving experience. Explore the Hawaiian islands of O'ahu and Maui. Celebrate the best of car culture through 20+ themed campaigns (street racing, offroad, drift...) and collect hundreds of iconic vehicles. Enjoy the game free for five hours! The Crew Motorfest is a racing, arcade and open world game developed by Ubisoft Ivory Tower and published by Ubisoft. Released on April 18th 2024 has received 7,384 reviews of which 5,763 were positive and 1,621 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 446 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played arcade games.
7.6
5,763
1,621
446
players
10. Metal Slug: Awakening
Metal Slug: Awakening continues the classic gameplay loved by fans, with exciting new features like World Adventure, 3-player Team-up, and Roguelike challenges. Join forces with your friends online to take on powerful bosses anytime, anywhere! Metal Slug: Awakening is a shoot 'em up, 2d platformer and arcade game developed by Tencent and published by HaoPlay Limited. Released on July 19th 2024 has received 3,139 reviews of which 2,125 were positive and 1,014 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 388 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played arcade games.
6.6
2,125
1,014
388
players
Best deals on arcade games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of arcade games available on Steam right now, updated on May 01st 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted arcade games.
1. Inertial Drift
An arcade racer that tears up the rule book with innovative twin-stick controls, completely re-imagined driving mechanics and a huge roster of fiercely individual cars and tracks. Inertial Drift is a racing, indie and arcade game developed by Level 91 Entertainment and published by PQube. Released on September 11th 2020 has received 1,338 reviews of which 1,156 were positive and 182 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for arcade category.
8.2
1,156
182
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Arcade Paradise
Manage profits, pick up gum, do the laundry and get coin to unlock arcade units and flip the family laundromat business to become an Arcade Paradise! Arcade Paradise is a adventure, arcade and management game developed by Nosebleed Interactive and published by Wired Productions. Released on August 11th 2022 has received 1,715 reviews of which 1,400 were positive and 315 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in arcade games.
7.8
1,400
315
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!
Cook, serve and manage your food truck as you dish out hundreds of different foods across war-torn America in this massive sequel to the million-selling series! Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?! is a typing, management and difficult game developed and published by Vertigo Gaming Inc.. Released on October 14th 2020 has received 2,137 reviews of which 1,945 were positive and 192 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in arcade games.
8.7
1,945
192
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
4. Paper Planet
Paper Planet is a planet-defender, arcade roguelike with a doodley, Flash-inspired artstyle. Battle through waves of unique enemies and bosses. Combine items with strange and wacky effects for insanely overpowered runs. Play with 1-4 players, for some chaotic co-op fun! Paper Planet is a action roguelike, tower defense and bullet hell game developed by Doodlegames and published by 2 Left Thumbs. Released on August 21st 2023 has received 469 reviews of which 410 were positive and 59 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for arcade games.
8.2
410
59
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
5. Bee Simulator
Live the big adventure of a small bee! Explore a world brimming with life in which you collect pollen, defy dangerous wasps and save your hive! Play with others in three game modes, including four players co-op and PvP on split screen. Bee Simulator is a flight, family friendly and adventure game developed by VARSAV Game Studios and published by Untold Tales. Released on November 17th 2020 has received 1,258 reviews of which 929 were positive and 329 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for arcade games.
7.1
929
329
-92%
19.13€
1.53€
6. UBERMOSH Vol.5
The fifth volume of the arcade series UBERMOSH. UBERMOSH Vol.5 is a indie, action and arcade game developed and published by Walter Machado. Released on May 25th 2017 has received 341 reviews of which 321 were positive and 20 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for arcade games.
8.7
321
20
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
7. Heretic's Fork
Dear candidate, we are pleased to invite you to take up the position of manager of Hell. You will punish sinners by using our deck-building computer system to construct hellish towers capable of keeping the endless hordes of the underworld in check. Best of luck! Heretic's Fork is a deckbuilding, tower defense and arcade game developed by 9FingerGames and published by Ravenage Games. Released on September 13th 2023 has received 3,526 reviews of which 3,020 were positive and 506 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for arcade games.
8.3
3,020
506
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
8. UBERMOSH Vol.3
The third volume of the arcade series UBERMOSH. UBERMOSH Vol.3 is a action, indie and arcade game developed and published by Walter Machado. Released on August 15th 2016 has received 308 reviews of which 274 were positive and 34 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for arcade games.
8.2
274
34
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
9. UBERMOSH:BLACK
UBERMOSH:BLACK is the second volume of the arcade series UBERMOSH. Cut bullets with your sword, shoot with heavy guns and splatter enemies with a rage fueled psionic wave. UBERMOSH:BLACK is a action, indie and arcade game developed and published by Walter Machado. Released on February 17th 2016 has received 365 reviews of which 306 were positive and 59 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for arcade games.
7.8
306
59
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
10. Bang Bang Racing
Be one step ahead of your competitors, finding shortcuts, repairing your car in the pit lane, and dominating your opponents from the top-down view. Bang Bang Racing is a racing, arcade and local multiplayer game developed by Digital Reality Software & Playbox and published by HandyGames. Released on June 08th 2012 has received 630 reviews of which 518 were positive and 112 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for arcade games.
7.8
518
112
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
Free arcade games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play arcade games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 01st 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play arcade games.
1. Fish Idle 2: Underwater Mystery
Dive into the most fun idle fishing arcade game! Manage your Fish Kingdoms with automated fishing, upgrade your boat and gear, invest in passive income, and outsmart the market. Become the ultimate fish tycoon! Fish Idle 2: Underwater Mystery is a casual, adventure and point & click game developed by Multicast and published by MulticastGames. Released on November 15th 2024 has received 974 reviews of which 671 were positive and 303 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 1,011 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free arcade games on Steam.
6.7
671
303
1,011
players
2. RetroArch
RetroArch is an open source and cross platform frontend/framework for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications RetroArch is a free to play, retro and software game developed and published by Libretro. Released on May 27th 2022 has received 7,908 reviews of which 7,095 were positive and 813 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 494, this arcade game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free arcade games on Steam.
8.7
7,095
813
494
players
3. Metal Slug: Awakening
Metal Slug: Awakening continues the classic gameplay loved by fans, with exciting new features like World Adventure, 3-player Team-up, and Roguelike challenges. Join forces with your friends online to take on powerful bosses anytime, anywhere! Metal Slug: Awakening is a shoot 'em up, 2d platformer and arcade game developed by Tencent and published by HaoPlay Limited. Released on July 19th 2024 has received 3,139 reviews of which 2,125 were positive and 1,014 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 388, this arcade game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free arcade games on Steam.
6.6
2,125
1,014
388
players
4. Slapshot: Rebound
Slapshot: Rebound is a physics-based multiplayer game where you play an arcade style match of hockey. No shoot button, no puck glue, no RNG. It’s up to you and your team to take control of the puck, pass, shoot, outplay your opponents. Play with your friends or team up with other Slapshot players! Slapshot: Rebound is a early access, sports and arcade game developed and published by Oddshot Games. Released on April 11th 2024 has received 8,613 reviews of which 7,247 were positive and 1,366 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 339 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free arcade games on Steam.
8.2
7,247
1,366
339
players
5. Disney Speedstorm
Welcome to Disney Speedstorm! Drift into the ultimate hero-based combat racing game, set on high-speed circuits inspired by Disney and Pixar worlds. Master each character’s unique skills and claim victory in this thrilling arcade racing experience from the creators of the Asphalt series! Disney Speedstorm is a racing, multiplayer and action game developed and published by Gameloft. Released on April 18th 2023 has received 7,139 reviews of which 4,812 were positive and 2,327 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 209 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free arcade games on Steam.
6.6
4,812
2,327
209
players
6. Ninja Kiwi Archive
Enjoy some of the best loved Flash games of the past in this awesome time capsule of over 60 Ninja Kiwi classics. Experience a piece of history and play the original Flash games that spawned the worldwide phenomenon of Bloons TD. Ninja Kiwi Archive is a casual, arcade and strategy game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on July 08th 2020 has received 5,395 reviews of which 5,066 were positive and 329 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 132 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free arcade games on Steam.
9.1
5,066
329
132
players
7. Pinball FX3
Pinball FX3 is the biggest, most community focused pinball game ever created. Multiplayer matchups, user generated tournaments and league play create endless opportunity for pinball competition. Pinball FX3 is a pinball, free to play and simulation game developed and published by Zen Studios. Released on September 26th 2017 has received 5,153 reviews of which 4,529 were positive and 624 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free arcade games on Steam.
8.5
4,529
624
100
players
8. Pinball FX
Pinball FX is digital pinball evolved. Get the highest score on tables inspired by the biggest brands in entertainment. New tables arrive frequently! Pinball FX is a free to play, pinball and arcade game developed and published by Zen Studios. Released on April 13th 2023 has received 2,079 reviews of which 1,449 were positive and 630 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free arcade games on Steam.
6.8
1,449
630
85
players
9. Egg Surprise
A fun clicker with economic simulation in the penguin kingdom. Obtain rare collections, venture into dangerous dungeons, and build your own civilization! Egg Surprise is a simulation, clicker and arcade game developed and published by SQRT Games. Released on June 20th 2024 has received 1,172 reviews of which 814 were positive and 358 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free arcade games on Steam.
6.7
814
358
67
players
10. Just Act Natural
Just Act Natural is a hand-crafted online party game where players must hide among NPC characters to avoid detection from the seeker. Compete against your friends in a variety of game modes over a course of different rounds to be crowned the winner! Just Act Natural is a multiplayer, casual and action game developed by Conor Garity and Liam Kerrigan and published by Conor Garity. Released on March 25th 2022 has received 5,749 reviews of which 5,073 were positive and 676 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free arcade games on Steam.
8.5
5,073
676
52
players